Meta told it's violating EU law by not doing enough to keep children off Facebook and Instagram
CNBC
Last updated: April 29, 2026
The European Commission has ruled that Meta violated EU law by not adequately preventing children under 13 from using its platforms, indicating increased regulatory focus on tech companies' child safety measures. This investigation stems from Meta's acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram, which facilitated easier access for underage users.
- Meta has been found to be in breach of Article 10 of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission's investigation focused on Meta's Facebook and Instagram services, particularly concerning the age verification mechanisms in place. Evidence suggested that Meta's design features encouraged underage children to bypass age restrictions. The acquisition of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 allowed Meta to integrate these platforms, which subsequently made it easier for children younger than 13 to access their services. The DSA mandates that online platforms implement robust age verification systems to protect minors. The Commission's preliminary assessment indicates that Meta's current practices do not meet these requirements, raising concerns about the potential exposure of young children to harmful content and data collection practices. This ruling signifies a stricter enforcement of digital safety regulations for major technology companies operating within the European Union.
